Calgary's War of the Buses

Calgary, Canada has offered us up a wonder opportunity to examine the problems of contract negotiation. After almost a year, the transit union threatened to strike- reportedly over the addition of shuttlebuses and minor dispute over wages and reduction of seniority benefits.

While the loom and doom of this year's transit strike may well be averted, certainly the bitterness left over from the long 11 month battle will not go away so easily. All is not settled yet; if the union members don't vote to accept the contract, they can once again give 72 hours notice.

The question remains, what has been learned by all this? In 2001, transit workers went on strike for 49 days. This time was a close call, and may still be. Either way, the bitterness will not be eased by a vote.

Negotiations, if effective, should not allow contract talks to reach this boiling point. They should be kept free of emotion and deal only with facts.

As you may recall (if you've followed any of the Calgary news), the beginning of May brought ads in newspapers with each side slamming the other in turn- a prime example of a toddler's "She hit me first" excuse.

Both accused the other of not informing each other's members, be it council or union workers, of critical information.

Does this remind anyone else of traveling on an hour ride with two wide awake and antsy toddlers in a back seat?

Both sides are well past the age of such shenanigans. It would be nice if the people of this city would have an adult and grown up example set by the city itself. Contract talks are just that: contract talks. They are not supposed to become personal attacks. They are about the city working out a deal with a union - neither of which qualify as living breathing individuals. They are both businesses (government is a business). Businesses should be above the name-calling.

Such proverbial name-callings were a sad example of the state this city's gone to, and it's unions are just as guilty. We all know that just because you say you're sorry, it's not always meant and it doesn't make the damage go away. The sticks and stones of youth still may leave scars that last far longer and linger underneath the surface.

Perhaps next time, the grown ups should take over the talk. Toddlers don't have the vocabulary and are too emotional to deal with such grown up issues.

If nothing else, when the time comes for the next round of negotiations, both sides will still remember this past 11 month war. Grudges and personal barbs often remain with us: an ill omen for the next contract. Calgary has much work to do to rebuild the trust; the transit union needs to help them do it.